Asia - Fantasia: Live In Tokyo

If you didn’t like Asia then, you won’t like them now. The original 1982 line-up of Downes, Howe, Palmer and Wetton returned in 2006 in fine pomp rock form, and this 18-track set captures the essence of their very fine craft. Hence, we get a selection of 80s classics such as the strident opener Time Again and anthemic Wildest Dreams, plus cherrypickings from their collective pasts, such as Yes’ Roundabout. It doesn’t quite match its parentage, but ELP’s Fanfare For The Common Man showcases the ever-impressive Palmer on massive tub-whacking and gongjangling duty, and Wetton’s mellifluous vocals glimmer on the contemplative The Smile Has Left Your Eyes. In The Court Of The Crimson King and Video Killed The Radio Star are bona fide classics of differing ilk, along with the likes of Only Time Will Tell and the closing Heat Of The Moment, prefaced by a wonderful working of the B-side Ride Easy, that turns it into A-grade gold. There’s also a DVD of the show available.